• Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma has launched the ‘Rural Backyard Piggery Scheme’ to ensure the farmers earn a sustainable livelihood through different livestock farming activities.
• The Chief Minister said that the government through different welfare schemes is successfully providing income generation opportunities and economic prosperity to the farmers.

Under Rural Backyard Piggery Scheme – phase 1:

• The government has earmarked Rs 15.18 crore under which four high-yielding improved varieties will be distributed to 6000 families.
• Rs 25 crore will be earmarked to roll out the second phase of the programme.
• To make the state self-sufficient in pork, the government is implementing one of the largest piggery development programmes the ‘Meghalaya Piggery Mission’.
• Under this mission, zero interest loan is provided for setting up fattening and pig breeding.
• So far 250 piggery cooperative societies have availed loans amounting to Rs 43.67 crore.